While the fabled “scriptwriters” are searching for ways to improve on last season’s storyline —which saw the Kelce brothers face off in the Super Bowl— I’ve decided to stop predicting who the contenders, pretenders, and participants are going to be. Rather, I'd take you guys on a trip around the 8 divisions of the National Football League (NFL), whilst looking at every team’s strength and/or weakness.
It’s been over 200 days since Patrick Mahomes and his band of fun-loving teammates helped the Kansas City Chiefs secure their second Super Bowl title in four years. However, to me and other crazed fans of the NFL, that already feels like an eternity ago. Although, I do have to admit that it was an interesting off-season.
From Aaron Rodgers deciding to channel his inner homosapien genes, by going into a dark place/cave to decide his future; to the running backs finally staging an online protest —if you can call it such— that would make members of the SAG-AFTRA community proud. Did I forget to mention that the GOAT decided he had had enough of the grass? Yes, Tom Brady announced his retirement for the second and hopefully the final time during the offseason, which led to enormous cheers from fans of the New York Jets —although he did spend the last three years away from them.
Speaking of the Jets, it’s safe to say that no other fan base had a better off-season, as the team acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers to ignite dreams of lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February 2024. The off-season also offered a new type of drama, as we saw coaches of two different teams exchange some harsh words via the media —at least if they don’t have Twitter we’ll tweet in on their behalf. Newly appointed Denver Broncos head coach, Sean Payton, described his team’s performance in 2022 under the tutelage of Nathaniel Hackett as “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL”. This led to a war of words between Payton and members of the coaching staff of the New York Jets, where Hackett now serves as their offensive coordinator.
All of these off-season drama might have served as a way to keep us in tune with the NFL but nothing beats the action on the field itself. From the beautiful throws to the amazing catches, and to my personal favorite, a quarterback getting sacked by an opposing defensive player; the NFL is back and I can’t wait to see what the season holds. So join me, as we go on a journey of trying to be “scriptwriters” in our own way by predicting how each team will perform this upcoming season, starting with Part One, and the AFC.
American Football Conference (AFC)
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Following their disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals, which saw star wide receiver Stefan Diggs reportedly walk out on the team, the Bills begin the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. Sean McDermott’s side lost linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the Bears but retained the core of their side —including disgruntled wide receiver Stefan Diggs— making them the odds-on favorites to win their division for the fourth consecutive season.
The Bills have a championship roster but have failed to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs in the last three years. One could argue they have a relatively young quarterback in Josh Allen and their window will never be closed but with the competition around them getting better and that defense getting older, the New York-based team is approaching the win-or-bust window.
New York Jets
Predicting that the Jets will finish in second place —above the Dolphins— is a huge claim but after watching Robert Saleh’s side play last season, it doesn’t seem too far-fetched. A lot of people —fans and pundits alike— made the argument that if the Jets had a decent (not a great one) quarterback last season they would’ve made the playoffs. The team shuffled between Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco at the quarterback position last season. None of which impressed or did enough to hold down the job for long, leading fans of the team to suggest they are a good quarterback away from competing not only in their division but in the AFC conference as well.
The addition of the “badddddd” man also known as Aaron Rodgers is expected to elevate their offense massively and with a defense that boasts players like Quinnen Williams on the line, C.J. Mosley in the middle, as well as Sauce Gardner in the secondary, a lot of people expect the Jets to do more than just make the playoffs. The off-season additions of players like Dalvin Cook and Allen Lazard will only bolster the team’s offensive depth, making Saleh’s side a tough opponent for any team in the league.
Miami Dolphins
The addition of Tyreek Hill during the 2022 off-season was expected to improve the Dolphins last season but no one could’ve predicted how much of an impact the former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver’s arrival would make. Hill’s presence elevated the team’s offense, improving Tua Tagovailoa’s play at the quarterback position and his fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle in the process. Rookie head coach Mike McDaniel led the Dolphins to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last season, finishing with a 9-8 record which should’ve been better if Tua had stayed healthy throughout the season.
McDaniel will be hoping a fit Tua and the addition of Jalen Ramsey —although injured at the moment— to the defensive secondary will help return the team to the postseason, where they will be hoping to make some noise.
New England Patriots
Since Tom Brady’s departure during the 2020 off-season, the Patriots have only made the playoffs once in three years; and it’s difficult to see that changing this season. The Patriots made a few additions to their offense this season, picking up Juju Smith-Schuster (WR) and Mike Gesicki (TE) but pundits will tell you that the reason why their offense and quarterback, Mac Jones regressed last time out was due to their lack of innovation in offensive schemes and play-calling.
Head coach Bill Belichick is regarded as one of the greatest ever coaches in the history of the league and is also revered for his defensive part of the game. However, the team’s lack of offense in a somewhat difficult division could completely hamper their hopes of getting a winning record much less talk of making the playoffs.
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals
“Joe Sheisty”, “Joe Cool”, “Joey Franchise”, whichever name you choose to call him, the one certainty we know about Joe Burrow is —barring Mahomes— he’s the man you want behind center for every offensive snap. The Bengals have made the AFC Championship game (at least) in two of the three seasons since drafting the former LSU star in the 2020 draft and are odds-on favorites to win the AFC North this season, especially after retaining the services of their wide receiver trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins.
Zac Taylor’s men were a penalty call away from probably making it to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances back in January and will be hoping to repeat and hopefully surpass the success of last season. Although, they might have their journey a bit tougher this year thanks to a much improved AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens
Speaking of much improved, no team can best be described by that phrase in this division than the Ravens. Jim Harbaugh’s team suffered a narrow wildcard exit to the Bengals last playoffs despite the absence of Lamar Jackson due to injury. However, with the ink on Jackson’s new deal barely dry, there’s much reason to celebrate in the state of Maryland.
The Ravens added Odell Beckham-Junior to their roster during the off-season, and with the presence of rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, the veteran addition of Nelson Agholor in conjunction with the presence of star tight-end Mark Andrews, the 2013 champions have enough offensive power to help Lamar Jackson lead a charge towards playoff success this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin might have made two Super Bowl appearances and lifted the Lombardi Trophy on one occasion as head coach of the Steelers, however, the 2022 season will go down as one of his finest seasons since he was appointed back in 2007. The former Vikings defensive coordinator maintained his record of never having a losing record as the Steelers head coach despite having a subpar roster of players and losing star defensive player T.J. Watt to injury for one-third of the season.
The Steelers will be hoping to return to the playoffs this season after missing out last season and a lot of that will depend on their offense and the development of starting quarterback Kenny Pickett. The six-time Super Bowl champions boast of one of the best defenses in the league but with a poor offensive line, a questionable offensive coordinator, and a lack of effective running game; a lot remains to be seen of how they will compete against the Bengals and the Ravens.
Cleveland Browns
The fact that I have the Browns finishing bottom of the AFC North is a testament to how tough the division is. The Browns can boast of studs on sides of the ball; from Miles Garrett to Nick Chubb, and with a lot of improvement expected from Deshaun Watson at the quarterback position, I am not certain of where I’ve them finishing the season.
Kevin Stefanski’s side finished the season with a 7-10 record and with the off-season additions of Davlin Tomlinson, Za’Darius Smith, and Marquise Goodwin, the Browns will be hoping to make their third postseason appearance since the turn of the millennium in the 2023 season.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans
This one’s a head-scratcher. After spending time thinking about it, I decided to pitch my tent with the Titans winning the AFC South despite failing to make the playoffs last season. The division itself was disappointing to watch last season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars making the playoffs and securing its crown with a 9-8 record.
Mike Vrabel and fans of the team will point to Ryan Tannehill’s injury as a reason for their disappointing campaign last time out but with no significant additions during the free agency period, it’s a case of “just”. I firmly believe the Titans might just win the division ahead of the other teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars caught lightning in a bottle during the wildcard round of the playoffs last season, overcoming a 27-0 first-half deficit to secure a 31-30 victory. Doug Peterson’s side made the most of the Titans' failings to secure their first playoff appearance in almost six years and will be hoping that’s a sign of better times ahead.
A lot hinges upon the shoulders of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, as the Jaguars had a relatively quiet off-season compared to 2022. The former Clemson Tiger needs to show more signs of improvement and leadership —whilst cutting out the high turnover numbers— if the team is to make the playoffs this time around.
Indianapolis Colts
Whilst owner Jim Irsay continues his unintentional campaign to replace Dan Snyder as the most disliked owner in the NFL —thanks to his treatment of Jonathan Taylor— new head coach Shane Steichen will be hoping that doesn’t become a distraction for the team, as he seeks to make the Colts a reputable team once again. Since Andrew Luck announced his retirement back in 2019, the Colts have failed to find a pair of steady hands at the quarterback position. From Phillip Rivers to Nick Foles and even Matt Ryan, the team has struggled to find a proper replacement for Luck, turning their attention to rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, Richardson showed a lot of promise with the Florida Gators at college level, whether the 21-year-old can translate that to the NFL remains to be seen. The potential departure of star running back, Jonathan Taylor —due to a contract dispute— is also a huge problem for the Colts, and could hamper their chances of returning to the good days of competing in the AFC with the great Peyton Manning behind center.
Houston Texans
It’s funny how one trade could’ve so much impact on a team. No, I’m not talking about the trade for Laremy Tunsil from the Dolphins by the Texans, I’m talking about the decision to trade DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for —what can only be described as a— pair of cheap cards and an injury-prone running back.
The Houston Texans have failed to make the playoff since 2019, the same year they traded Hopkins, and have gone through a host of head coaches since getting rid of Bill O’Brien in 2020. DeMeco Ryans is the next one in line in the revolving door of head coaches for the Texans. The former 49ers defensive coordinator will be hoping to bring about a culture change and winning mentality to Texas. However, with a rookie quarterback and a team lacking in talent, DeMeco Ryans' plans will need time to come to fruition, and we could end up seeing the team end up with a high draft pick again next year.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid continue to reinforce the belief that, if you have a great coach and quarterback, you have a very high chance of winning in the NFL every year. The duo won their second Super Bowl together earlier in February and have made it to five AFC Championship games and three Super Bowls since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in the 2018 season.
The Chiefs are the favorite to win it all again this season and it’s hard finding any team in the AFC West that could possibly unseat as kings of the division. The team had a quiet off-season with Blaine Gabbert replacing Chad Henne as backup quarterback to Mahomes. Juju Smith-Schuster was instrumental in the playoffs but with the likes of Kadarius Toney, Marques Valdes-Scantling, and Sky Moore still on the rosters, Juju’s departure shouldn’t create any problems for the defending champions.
Denver Broncos
I’m sticking my neck out for Sean Payton and the Broncos to finish second behind the Chiefs cos of the man behind the wheel this season. Payton possesses an impressive resume and is regarded as one of the very best head coaches in the league. The former New Orleans Saints gaffer has been bullish all off-season about his team and it’s time to back those words up with actions.
The plus side for the Broncos is that you would expect Russell Wilson to be much better this season. The former Super Bowl winner stunk up the joint last time out following his big-money trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos have an impressive roster on both sides of the ball and with Sean Payton as head coach, I’m expecting some at the Empower Field this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
It remains a mystery to some pundits and fans how Brandon Staley retained his job as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers following their disastrous playoff exit at the hands of the Jaguars —a game in which they led 27-0 at halftime. The Chargers were the biggest winners of the 2022 free agency picking up impressive talents like Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson to bolster an already formidable team. They had so much talent that went the 2022 season started and the Steelers began to struggle, a few pundits suggested that Tomlin should leave Acrisure Stadium and go help the “loaded” Chargers win the Super Bowl.
The Chargers were expected to compete for the Lombardi trophy last season and even after a somewhat disappointing record of 10-7 during the regular season, no one expected to crumble at the first hurdle in the playoffs. Brandon Staley has garnered a bad reputation for making weird play-calls and overreliance on analytics since he became head coach of the former St. Louis-based team in 2021 which has seen some of his players indirectly question those calls. And unless I see a massive change from the head coach, I can’t see the Chargers toppling the Chiefs and the Broncos in this division.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have taken a page from their Viking folklore by raiding the rest of the NFL for talents as they seek a way out of consistent inconsistency. The team signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal this off-season whilst also picking up Brian Hoyer, Jakobi Myers, and Phillip Dorsett; all of whom head coach Josh McDaniels has worked with during his time as offensive coordinator for the Patriots.
The Raiders will be hoping Jimmy Garoppolo can continue his impressive winning record during the 2023 season and help them secure a return to the playoffs, after missing out last here with a poor regular season record of 6-11. The Raiders can boast of talented players like Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, Maxx Crosby, and Chandler Jones to mention but a few on their roster, but whether the collective can be good enough remains to be seen. Hence, my reason for ranking them bottom in this division.
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